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OSVP	By : LotornoMiko Category: +S through Z > Valkyrie Profile Views: 1214 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Valkyrie Profile or the charcters from it. I make no money off of the writing of this story.

Chapter List
- 1-OSVP
- 2-Two
- 3-Three
- 4-Four
- 5-Five
- 6-Six
- 7-Seven
- 8-Eight
- 9-Nine
- 10-Ten
- 11-Eleven
- 12-Twelve
- 13-Thirteen
- 14-Fourteen
- 15-Fifteen
- 16-Sixteen
- 17-Seventeen
- 18-Eighteen
- 19-Nineteen
- 20-Twenty
- 21-Twenty One
- 22-Twenty Two
- 23-Twenty Three
- 24-Twenty Four
- 25-Twenty Five
- 26-Twenty Six
- 27-Twenty Seven
- 28-Twenty Eight
- 29-Twenty Nine
- 30-Thirty
- 31-Thirty One
- 32-Thirty Two
- 33-Thirty Three
- 34-Thirty Four
- 35-Thirty Five
- 36-Thirty Six
- 37-Thirty Seven
- 38-Thirty Eight
- 39-Thirty Nine
- 38
- 39
The darkness that came with sleep was no longer soothing to Lenneth. It couldn't be, what with the dreams that it ushered in. The nightmares and memories that plagued her. She was full of fear and uncertainties, rightfully concerned with the fate of her sisters. Even if Lenneth had wanted to forget, the dreams wouldn't have let her. They haunted her, mocking her with the cruel knowledge that Lenneth would most likely never know for sure the fates of her two sisters.

She wondered if it would always be like this. Wondered if she would always be so tortured when she slept. Lenneth let out the heaviest of sighs, her arm doing a tightening squeeze around what she thought might be a hard pillow. An answering squeeze across her chest was enough to startle Lenneth awake completely, the woman snapping open her eyes with haste.

She first saw the light gray of his jacket, the lacy spill of his cravat covering over the coat's lapels. Her cheek was pressed against the soft velvet, and Lenneth could hear the slow, steady beats of Lezard's heart. She didn't look up immediately, slowly processing the fact that she was not only sleeping next to Lezard, but actively cuddling up against him.

Her arm was still around his waist, holding onto him just as securely as he held onto her. The weight of his arm rested on the top of her breasts, but it wasn't an unpleasant feeling. She didn't immediately draw back, Lenneth just staying in place. Taking stock of the situation and her surroundings. Remembering the moments that had led them here. They were not in Lezard's bed. That large piece of furniture lay undisturbed, blankets and pillows neatly arranged. Instead they were across from it, seated on the room's couch. A love seat.

Lenneth could remember sitting down next to Lezard. Her legs had brushed against his, but there had been a slight distance between them. It had been natural, the two sitting in comfort, relaxed around each other. There had been no expectations then, none of the pressures Lenneth had come to expect from Lezard. She had been able to enjoy an ease she hadn't felt in a while. An ease that hadn't been afforded to her since BEFORE she had awakened in Flenceburg. It was unexpected, but not unwelcome.

The whole night had been like that, none of her expectations being lived up to. Lenneth had expected Lezard to demand she make good on her marriage, on the vows she had sworn to him. Lenneth hadn't expected her heart to last the night, it along with her body, and the last of her resistance stolen from her. Lenneth had expected to wake up this morning, and be totally, hopelessly in love with Lezard.

That she wasn't, was a shock. Lenneth had never thought Lezard would be able to hold back. Or that the mage would hold such concern and respect for her, that he would put aside his own strong desires. But he had, and that went against everything Lenneth had expected of him. Lenneth had expected Lezard to fall on her with ravishing intent, his hands pawing at her body. She had been prepared to endure this, to endure it all, waging what little fight she could against the spell that tried to enchant her so thoroughly.

It had been a struggle when he had kissed her. Lenneth had fought against the spell, against the feelings stirred in her heart. She had wanted to melt into his kiss, while another part of her had screamed in protest. She had actually trembled, Lenneth so sure she was about to lose an irretrievable part of herself. It had been a most extreme of shocks when Lezard did not pursue her past the initial kisses. She hadn't been able to understand why. She still didn't, not completely. But she was thankful to Lezard, for the precious time he had given her.

The night she had so feared, had been a strange one instead. Strange but not unpleasant. With Lezard making it clear that they would do nothing Lenneth was not yet comfortable with, a burden had left her shoulders. She had relaxed, her ease increasing with every moment that passed free of Lezard's molestation. Lenneth wondered if Lezard knew just how great a gift he had given her, with his decision to wait. It was a luxury she suspected not many Valkyrie brides had received in the past, regardless of who their husbands had been.

But then Lezard was not like the men who had married Valkyries in the past. Once she would have thought that a bad thing, but Lenneth was coming to respect Lezard for his uniqueness. Maybe even admire him for it. She wasn't thinking further than that, Lenneth at last lifting her head. Raising her eyes up towards his face. She met that bright, bold gaze of his, the amethyst color seeming to soften as Lezard smiled at Lenneth. That smile sent a flutter through her, Lenneth realizing with a shock something had changed. Between them and in her.

She almost lurched to her feet, Lenneth settling for slowly drawing away from her snuggled position against him. Lezard hadn't wanted to let her move away, his arm tightening possessively around her for an instant before the man reluctantly let go. Lenneth didn't go far, merely sitting up so that she no longer cuddled so relaxed against him. She never took her gaze off him, Lenneth staring, feeling the stirrings within her. It softened things inside her, made Lenneth far too susceptible to the smile he gave her.

The feelings inside her had grown, now more potent than ever. She wasn't in love with Lezard, not truly. But she was close, Lenneth finding she liked him a whole lot more than she had had just hours earlier. She didn't completely understand it. Nor did Lenneth know why it had happened. What had been the trigger? What had Lezard done to foster such fond affection in her?

"What is it? What's wrong?" Lezard asked, his smile lessening as his concern increased. Lenneth quickly shook her head no, pressing the fingers of her right hand against his lips. It was a silencing gesture, Lenneth needing the quiet to think. To properly examine what had happened. Lezard took the hint, reaching up with a hand to close fingers around her wrist. She would have frowned if he had tried to kiss her hand, but for now Lezard behaved himself.

Just as he had behaved himself through the night. Except for the initial kissing, Lezard had done nothing sexual to her. He had behaved as a gentleman would, sitting with Lenneth, talking with her. Expressing a real interest in her past life. Just as she had been interested to hear about him, Lenneth asking questions and answering the ones Lezard had had about her.

The conversation had extended well into the night, spilling into the morning. They had still been awake but barely, when the dawn's sun began spilling light in through the window. Lenneth remembered how they had stayed seated, their heads resting on the back of the love seat. Watching each other's face, as their eyes began to close. Both had fought sleep, but at some point they had lost. She couldn't even remember the last words spoken, sleep had been that sudden.

Lenneth didn't think anything that had been said would hold enough of an impact to make her feelings increase in intensity. It had to have been what hadn't happened. The selfless act Lezard had done, his restraint when it came to his desire for her, moving her in ways she had not been prepared for. Lenneth had thought her heart would be forever lost if she had had sex with Lezard, never realizing there was danger in holding back. That her heart beat quicker for him, could be blamed on what they hadn't done. And Lenneth couldn't even truly mind, grateful to Lezard for having the patience to hold back.

Lezard was still waiting for Lenneth to explain her reaction. She wasn't about to share her realization, Lenneth feeling heat warm her cheeks. Lezard's look only increased in concern, the man reaching with his other hand to cup one of her blushing cheeks. Lenneth had to fight with every ounce of her being not to lean into that touch.

"I was just...startled." Lenneth finally, lamely said. He raised an eyebrow at that, Lezard clearly thinking it not enough of an explanation. "It was quite jarring, going from the dreams to so peaceful a setting." She tried to get her hand back, but Lezard wasn't giving it up so easily.

"What troubles your dreaming mind so?" He was always so concerned for her, even now. His fingers would sweep back the forward falling strands of her unbound hair, Lezard keeping his gaze on her face.

"It's nothing." Lenneth dismissed. It earned her a frown from him, Lezard shaking his head no.

"It can't be nothing." He pointed out. "Nor can it be very restful, to be plagued by such dreams."

"No, it cannot be." Lenneth agreed with a sigh. "But I doubt talking about it would help..."

"It couldn't hurt to try." Lezard argued. He was still touching her hair, still holding onto her wrist. Those touches were a little distracting, Lenneth liking them more than she would have just hours ago. "Please Lenneth...let me lend my ear to your troubles."

It was a risky thing he offered, for Lenneth could have easily said what haunted her dreams was thoughts of him. But she couldn't be that cruel to him, Lenneth sighing. "It's about my sisters." Understanding colored his expression, his thumb caressing over the pulse point in her wrist. It was distracting, but not enough to get her to forget what she was saying. "Their uncertain fates, it troubles me. Haunts me, whether I am awake or asleep."

"But it is worse when you sleep, isn't it?" Lezard asked, and she nodded.

"Yes. At least when I am awake there are distractions. I don't ever completely forget what has happened, what could be happening even now...but it is easier to endure my worries during the day."

"Is it the enchantment?" His expression did not betray what he was thinking as he asked that question. "Does fighting it help to distract you from your sisters' plight?"

She gave careful consideration to it, reaching out to touch his hand in reassurance. "Partly yes. But not just the enchantment. It's been the wedding, the distraction of it and dealing with Mystina...in meeting with your people...there's been much happening around me...to the point I cannot always be consumed with thoughts of my sister's fates."

"Do you welcome those distractions?" Lezard asked, a contemplative look in his eyes.

Lenneth didn't have to ask what he meant by that. "I do and I don't. Fighting the enchantment is a burden in a different way...It would easily consume me if I let it...To give in is to forget all that matters to me, until my only concern is thoughts of pleasing you." His expression flickered, an almost disturbed look in his eyes. "The enchantment would ruin me." She told him. "It would steal away that which makes me myself. I would be a shadow of my former self, ruled so easily by the one who kissed me awake..."

"Odin..." Lezard growled out the God's name, eyes looking angry then. She quickly touched his lips, silencing him before he could blasphemy against her King.

"He was only doing what he had to. A failure of my magnitude cannot go unpunished. He had to send a message to all other Valkyrie that such failure would not be tolerated." She slowly lowered her hand, Lenneth's expression downcast. "It was the right thing to do. The only thing, given I let my beloved sister be taken by the vampires..."

"You sound as though you are trying to convince yourself of that!" His heated exclamation drew her gaze upright, Lenneth frowning at Lezard. He moved to grasp both of her hands now, as though fearing she would try to get up and leave. "Lenneth, you have suffered enough. You lost your sister to the vampires. You saw the Valkyries and einherjar that accompanied you slaughtered...You alone survived the encounter...I think you punish yourself enough, without Odin adding to it."

"But..."

"I understand the need to not let failure stand. But it was pure malice to punish you for surviving! Because Lenneth, that is exactly what he's done!" Lezard was angry, his gaze looking like amethyst flames.

She couldn't match his anger, not in the moment. Instead Lenneth nearly whispered, staring at him unsettled. "Why does this upset you so?"

"Because I care for you!" It was almost as if he had blurted it out without thinking, Lezard looking as startled as Lenneth felt in the moment.

"You care for me?" She had to break free of his hand's hold, in order to catch at his face. Lezard had tried to look away from her at that moment, and even when she forced his gaze towards her, his expression was shifty. "What does that mean?"

His hands reached to cover the backs of hers on his face. "Lenneth, I like you. I think you are a beautiful, intelligent woman. Kind and with merit. One who deserves more than I can give you. I admire your spirit, the strengths you've shown. You haven't given in to the enchantment, even with the promise of relief it can offer you. Instead you fight it, and endure the fear you have for your sisters' fates. I think there is very few men who could not feel for you, once they got to know you." Lezard let out a shaky breath, almost chuckling then. "We've barely had any time together, and already you've impressed upon me your spirit. I enjoy our encounters, and I want more nights like this past one. I want to know you, and not the Lenneth whose very personality would be twisted by Odin's enchantment!"

Her eyes had widened by the time he had finished, Lenneth taken aback by the passion, the heat in which he had spoken about her. She felt warm inside, wondering if it was possible for this man to actually care for her. It wasn't love, Lezard himself had been careful to avoid using that word. But he seemed sincere in that he liked her. Liked her beyond the pleasures he could take from her body. Liked her enough to be concerned about her, to be upset by the punishment Odin had given her.

"Lezard..." She actually moved her fingers to do a brief caress on his cheeks. "Thank you."

His tone was gruff now, as though the mage was embarrassed. "You shouldn't have to thank someone for caring."

"Even when that caring is something I never expected to earn?" Lenneth questioned. "Lezard, you continue to surprise me. Oftentimes in pleasant ways. You don't behave anything like I expected a minion of Hel to act. You are kind, caring. Considerate of my situation. You don't seek to back stab and betray me, to use and abuse me. You seek to protect me from those that would. It makes me wonder if you are the exception, or if there are others in Hel's employ who can also be good and kind."

"We're not all monsters." Agreed Lezard. "But Lenneth, do be careful who you decide to trust."

"Yes, of course." She agreed with a nod. Lenneth lowered her hands then, fingers gliding free of Lezard's face. He no longer needed forcing to look at her, Lezard seeming to relax more than he had been just seconds ago.

"I still don't think it's right." Lezard grumbled to her. "Not just the use of the enchantment on you, but all of it. Odin should have been glad to have at least one of his valued Valkyries returned to him..."

Privately, Lenneth agreed, though she wouldn't speak out loud a word against Odin's actions. "Odin had to do what he felt was right..." Lezard made a rude noise at that. "If he hadn't sought to punish me, I doubt very much I'd be here..."

"You'd have been the one to lead a hunting party after Brahms and your sister." Lezard guessed correctly.

"Yes...it's not a task I would have looked forward to. But Silmeria's soul needs to be saved. And that can only be accomplished if she is killed before she has her first feeding." Lenneth looked downwards, gazing at her hands folded on her lap. "I can only pray Silmeria is strong enough to resist the temptations of the blood calling to her. Just as I can pray my sister Hrist makes it to her in time..."

A comfort was given, Lezard's hand once again touching hers. She glanced up at him, her own eyes troubled. His gaze was back to being concerned. "Is Hrist strong enough to go up against Brahms?"

"I truly don't know." Lenneth whispered. "She is the strongest of we three sisters...She might succeed where I failed." She blinked, though her eyes were not wet. "I know that at least one of my sisters will be slain...maybe even both of them. Hrist might get to Silmeria before Brahms can intercede. She might kill her, only to be killed by Brahms. And I will never know for sure what has happened to either one of them!" Her anguish had slipped into her voice, Lenneth reaching up with a hand to brush back some of her hair.

"And that is what really bothers you." Noted Lezard, his eyes full of sympathy. "The not knowing what will happen, it tortures you every chance it gets." She could only nod in agreement. Lezard fell silent, a contemplative look on his face.

Lenneth sat quietly next to him, her own thoughts thinking of her sisters. Wondering if Hrist's hunting party had reached the vampire's island home. Wondering how many would die in the fight that would break out. Lenneth even thought of the fear Silmeria might go through, knowing her own sister had come to kill her. Would Silmeria lay down gladly for Hrist's blade, or would she fight for her right to live? Lenneth supposed it all depended on whether or not Silmeria had fed yet.

If Silmeria had indeed fed already, she might lust for Valkyrie blood. Might yearn for the treat within the battle maidens' veins. How much more trying would this ordeal be, if Hrist had to fight to keep Silmeria from taking her neck? Hrist was not unfeeling. She would not enjoy having to fight and kill her own sister. Even if Silmeria had become a soulless monster, Hrist's duty would make her heart heavy. But neither would Hrist shirk such a duty. If she couldn't save Silmeria's soul, she'd still kill her. All to keep one less monster from walking the realms of Creation.

Silmeria was doomed. Of that Lenneth was certain. She would die regardless of her soul's state, or at least the attempt would be made. Lenneth didn't know how many soldiers Odin would spare to this mission. Especially with the situation as it was in Asgard, the undead always on constant press towards seizing control of the realm. Odin's forces couldn't be divided too thinly. The majority had to remain behind, to concentrate on the battles that took place on Idavoll.

They had suffered far too many losses. Too many Valkyries taken from their ranks. Silmeria was lost to them, as was Lenneth. Hrist might die before this was all over with. And there had been other Valkyries, Lenneth remembering the three that had accompanied her as part of Silmeria's escort. Even one Valkyrie was too much of a loss, but five or six in so short a time? It was unheard of and unacceptable!

She let out an unhappy sigh, Lenneth understanding it wasn't just the fate of her sisters that would torture her. It was the situation in Asgard, the war that she herself had been a part of for so long. Of course news trickled down into the other realms, but it wouldn't be the same to hear second hand the rumors of what was going on up there. Lenneth knew that words could easily be twisted, the truth being distorted or embellished. Nor would they be privy to the behind the scenes dealings that went on during the war. It wasn't all that unheard of for lies to be told, lies meant to comfort the populace, to keep the people of the realms from panicking. Lenneth was no longer privileged enough to be anything but another mortal, one who had no right to the many hidden details of the war.

She wasn't able to content herself with her new found status as civilian. There was so much she was missing out on, Lenneth wanting, needing to return to fight and command armies in Odin's name. She thought the only true peace she could find, was in the swinging of her blade, Lenneth fighting for the glory of the realms. She didn't know if it was possible to return to being a Valkyrie Goddess. But Lenneth knew she had to make every effort to try. Even if it meant betraying the kind man sitting next to her. The kind man who even now continued to care for her, Lezard breaking the silence with a question.

"What if...What if there was a way for you to get that information?" His expression was guarded, Lezard watching Lenneth's reaction carefully. "If there was a way to find out the fates of your two sisters...would you take it?"

Lenneth wanted to immediately say yes, but she was wary enough to know it wasn't a simple solution Lezard was contemplating. "I would do just about anything to know what has happened to Hrist and Silmeria. But I am aware the information might come at a price I am not willing to pay..."

"I guess that is something you will have to think about then..." Lezard said, then sighed. "There IS a way." She watched him, noting the hesitation he showed in speaking. "You know I have access to a deity...one who has a vested interested in the dealings in Asgard."

"Hel." Lenneth couldn't keep from hissing, understanding blooming with in her. "I would not ask your Queen for any favors!"

"I didn't think you would." Lezard was calm. "But if I were to ask for you?"

"I would not have you do this!" Lenneth protested vehemently. "To openly ask Hel for anything, invites disaster to your soul."

"I think my soul is stained enough, that a little more smut won't matter much in the long run." He tried for a glib answer, but Lenneth saw how disturbed the state of his soul made Lezard feel.

"No. Lezard, do not do this. Not for me. Not for a woman you only just come to care about." She shook her head, distressed. "Even if you loved me, I would not want you endangering yourself in this way. I do not need to know. Not at the cost Hel would demand!"

"But Lenneth..."

"No, Lezard, no! Put such thoughts out of your mind." She insisted firmly. "I can endure the not knowing."

"Can you really?" Lezard demanded, which only increased Lenneth's upset. "Can you really go months, years without knowing for sure what happened to your sisters?"

"It will get better in time..." But even to herself, Lenneth sounded unconvincing. "Eventually, I will come to accept the fact that I will never know for certain what happened to Hrist and Silmeria."

"Lenneth..."

"Promise me." Lenneth demanded, reaching for his hands. "Promise me you will not, either openly, or behind my back, seek answers from your queen about this matter."

He gave her a sad smile then. "You concern yourself with my soul even now. Even knowing how blackened it must be from years in Hel's service."

She stared unblinking at him, expression earnest. "From what you told me, you were never given a choice on what would happen. On what God you would follow. It is unfortunate, but undeniable that your own soul was jeopardized, by the very magic they had you learn. If I could...I would keep you from gaining any more sin on your soul..."

"This concern, this care...Is it the enchantment that makes you speak this way?"

She managed not to blush. "I don't believe the enchantment is at work." Lenneth told him, still holding his hands. "I simply cannot stand to see a good man in Hel's clutches." He started to make a protest, Lenneth speaking over him. "Yes, it's true. I don't know you very well. Maybe it's foolish of me, but my instincts have rarely let me down in the past. And they tell me there is good within you. A good Hel would snuff out. I don't know what crimes, what sins she has had you commit, but it is not to late to atone for them."

"Would that it were that simple..." Lezard sighed. "I've done so much in her name...there's little hope for my after life..." His gaze was unwavering as he looked at her. "I've no doubt where I will end up when I die...it would take a miracle to change that fate..."

She wanted to urge him to not give up hope, even as Lenneth realized the truth in what he said. There was little chance that Hel would give up his soul, not after all the time and expense the Goddess had put into grooming Lezard into the perfect minion for her. Hel held onto her people, tortured them, used them even once they were dead. She built up the humans, only to corrupt and destroy them. Laughing all the while as these mortals fought with each other for positions in her earthly kingdoms.

"Promise me..." Lenneth repeated, squeezing his hands. "Make whatever vows you must, but swear to me now, that you will not ask Hel for this favor..."

Lezard hesitated a long moment, Lenneth staring at him, her expression urgent in it's worry. She feared he would not make the promise, that Lezard would gamble away more of his soul for a chance to please Lenneth. And that was something that was simply unacceptable to her!

"All right..." Lezard said at last, a heavy sigh of exasperation escaping him. "I won't ask Hel about your sisters." Lenneth couldn't fill with relief, still gripping Lezard's hands as she waited for him to seal the promise. "But Lenneth...if I can obtain the information another way. A way that doesn't involve Hel or any of her agents, then you better believe I will!"

"Yes, I understand." Lenneth nodded, Lezard twisting in her grip so that his hands were now returning the hold. He'd go as far as to lace their fingers together, Lezard lifting their joined hands to press one over his heart. The other he pressed against Lenneth's chest, linking them as proof of the promise he was making to her.

"I won't ask Hel about this." He promised. "But if I can find a way to give you peace of mind, then Lenneth? I promise I will use those means to do so."

"Thank you." Lenneth said, allowing some of her tension to ease out of her. Slowly, Lezard released their hands, the man smiling though it wasn't as happy as it had been when she had first awakened next to him. She couldn't guess for sure why that was, though Lenneth wondered if Lezard was unsettled by the talk about his soul. That he could be disturbed about it, was another thing that had tested Lenneth's preconceived notions. For the Valkyrie had always assumed those who dedicated themselves to Hel's service, cared nothing for their souls and the after life awaiting them.

Lezard abruptly looked away from her, his gaze seeking out the open window. He seemed to be noting the position of the sun in the sky, which prompted Lenneth to ask a question. "How long do you think we slept for?"

"Not enough, given how late we stayed up talking." Answered Lezard. He glanced at her, and chuckled, the man slowly shaking off his unease. "No doubt most in the castle are passed out as well."

"Understandable, given how long the party was expected to last." Lenneth said, then gave a rueful shake of her head. "It sure surprised me. Just how much the nobility of Flenceburg like to party."

"Since we don't often get to do so, I'm afraid my people do go overboard when given a chance to celebrate something." His eyes had darkened, though as to what thoughts he was having, Lezard did not reveal. He quickly shook his head, brown bangs falling rakishly over his brow. "Whatever the case, it will be a while before anyone rouses themselves for a meal. What say we skipped the dining room, and take a lunch into town?"

"I would like that." Lenneth said, then nearly smiled. "We will take the horses with us?" It was amusing to see the way that question made him grimace, Lezard not at all eager for her to ride Obsidian a second time. He hesitated long enough with his answer, for Lenneth to turn pleading. "Please Lezard. Riding will be good for all of us."

"I...I suppose..." His reluctance was clear by the way he talked, slow and hesitant was his manner. "But you have to promise me you'll stick to a slow trot this time!"

"Of course." It was an easy enough promise to make, Lenneth delighting in the thought of riding Obsidian once more.

Lezard reached up to brush back his bangs, muttering something under his breath. "You and that horse are going to bring an early death to me, I just know it."

"There's no need to worry." Lenneth tried to reassure him. She couldn't keep her elation at bay in the moment, Lenneth sure her eyes were sparkling with her excitement. "Valkyries are excellent riders."

"I don't doubt your ability to ride. It's Obsidian's wild nature that makes me worry." Lezard retorted.

"He's just misunderstood." Lenneth replied. "The stallion has a sweet and gentle nature, when the right person is working with him."

"So far the only person he's shown that sweet nature to, is you." Lezard rose up off the love seat, his hands smoothing down the front of his jacket. "Ah...I have something for you."

"A gift?" Lenneth raised a brow at that. A present was the last thing she had been expecting. From Lezard or from anyone.

"Yes. Call it a thank you if you like." Lezard looked a little embarrassed then. "A gift to thank you for doing me the honor of marrying me."

Now it was Lenneth's turn to be embarrassed, the Valkyrie quickly looking away from Lezard's gaze. "I should hardly be thanked." She murmured, her fingers reaching to nervously play with her hair. "Given the trouble I've been, and the fact I haven't even lived up to my vows yet."

"You've done more than enough." Lezard quickly assured her. She couldn't quite look at him, flush faced and flustered.

"How can you say that?" Lenneth demanded. "Last night could hardly be called living up to your expectations of me!"

"I would not worry about that." She looked up at that, frowning at him. Lezard's expression was serious, his eyes intent on her. "We may not have spent the night in the traditional manner, but I find I cannot regret the time I did get to spend with you...the time we used getting to know one another." Now she really was going to blush, Lenneth fighting the warmth flooding her cheeks. He looked pleased at that, Lezard smiling.

"You'll get tired of talk soon enough." She predicted.

"Perhaps." He agreed easy enough. "But I am sure the wait for you to be receptive to me, is worth it."

Her blush bloomed redder, Lenneth quickly looking away. Lezard's eyes had filled with their own heat at that last sentence uttered. It was almost as though in that moment, he had been imagining her surrender, desire for her flaring in his gaze. Lenneth couldn't even think up a retort to that, too dismayed by her embarrassment. Lezard walked away from her, stopping over towards a sturdy book shelf that was situated near to his desk. She watched him as he unerringly went for one book in particular, Lezard opening it up to reveal the hollowed out insides. Lenneth would sit up straighter, her eyes locked onto the key revealed, the night's frustration returning to her as she recalled how she had been unable to open his desk drawers.

Lezard didn't seem to notice the way Lenneth was watching him. Nor did he make any attempt to hide what they key was for. He'd use it, opening up one of the top most drawers of his desk. A long, square shaped case would be taken out, Lezard placing it on the desk long enough for the mage to return the key to the hollowed out book. He then retrieved the case, and carried it over to Lenneth.

"It's not much..." He began, tone gruff. "I did not yet know you well enough to be able to ascertain what would not only be a suitable gift, but one you would want." He seemed apologetic as he handed the case to her, Lenneth noting it wasn't very heavy in her hands.

"Thank you..." Lenneth said automatically, moving to open the case at Lezard's urging. The inside was line with blue velvet, and there was a lighter shade of tissue paper hiding the contents from sight. She would gently ease aside the paper, finding the treasure hidden within. It was a necklace, both the chain and the pendant hanging from it, all delicately wrought silver. There was a sapphire jewel in the center of the pendant, humming with power.

"I bought it because it suits your coloring." Lezard said, in response to her silent study of the necklace. "Perhaps a sword would have been better..."

"No, it's fine..." Lenneth reassured him. "It has a protection spell enchanted into it..."

"A minor one..." Lezard confirmed. "Jewels are not the ideal focus for such spells. It takes a great deal of energy to enchant even a small spell into a jewel."

"The magic and the jewels resist each other..." Lenneth murmured, vaguely recalling a lesson she had once had hundreds of years ago. "Something about the properties that make up the jewels...it makes them shun most magic..." She finally looked away from the necklace, staring up at him appraisingly. "This must have cost you a lot of money..."

"The money matters not." Lezard quickly interrupted. "If the spell can help you in any way..."

"I'm not sure I am worthy of such a gift..."

"You are!" exclaimed Lezard, his tone passionate. "You are worth a million of those necklaces!"

She was startled, and more than a little touched. Until Lenneth remembered what she was, what she had been. She lowered her gaze, almost depressed as she sighed. "You must do everything you can to safe guard your Valkyrie bride. Punished though I may be, Odin would not be pleased if something were to happen to me..."

"Lenneth, that's not it...!" Lezard protested. She flinched this time when he touched her shoulder, Lenneth staring down at the case in her hands.

"Thank you for the gift. I will be sure to wear it when we go out today." Her tone was a clear dismissal, Lenneth trying to get Lezard to drop the subject. That he didn't want to, was apparent, Lezard sounding frustrated as he talked.

"You are a person of value, regardless of what you had once been. That I seek to protect and care for you, it has nothing to do with Odin! Or with the alliance he would make with my Queen!" His hands squeezed on her shoulders, Lenneth drawing her gaze up to meet Lezard's. "Lenneth...I...I..."

"You what?" She asked. "What am I to you then? What purpose would you give me, if not that which allows Hel her chance to align with my King?"

"You're my wife." He finally said in answer. It only made her sigh, Lenneth thinking that was not a good enough answer. It had to be the enchantment making itself known, Lenneth wanting, needing Lezard to say she was more than just that to him.

"And you my husband." She said out loud. "We may have been joined together, but we are still strangers to one another. I suppose it is wrong of me to want that be different. Especially this soon..."

"It's not wrong." Lezard protested. "Given enough time and talk, I'm sure we could become something more..."

"But could you love me?" Lenneth asked, her voice an uncertain whisper. Damn it, but the enchantment made her feel too vulnerable around him, it and the small bit of love she felt for him, making her want things. Making Lenneth needy. She stared at Lezard, watching as his own expression closed up in response to her question. It was answer enough, Lenneth letting out a sad sigh. "Do you want to take the first bath, or should I?"

"You can have it." Lezard stepped back from the love seat. "I will go make the preparations for our journey into the city."

"All right." Acknowledged Lenneth, but she didn't turn to watch him leave. She was too busy trying to stay composed, feeling sick with how she had exposed her weakness to him. The weakness that had her craving his love, Lenneth's fingers tightening on the necklace's case. She hated that she felt this way, Lenneth feeling grief that her heart was not completely her own.

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To Be Continued...

I liked this chapter right up to the part where she started saying she was not worthy of the necklace. I feel like I really screwed up the ending of this chapter. Maybe I need to sleep on it...maybe I don't. Who knows. Next chapter will be checking in on the vampires side of the story...

-Michelle
- 38
- 39
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